Retha B Carothers

Retha Beryl Carothers, 93, of Toledo, Ohio, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2019. She was born on December 21, 1925 in Napoleon, Ohio to Charlie and Leah (Eisaman) Packard. Retha was the 1943 valedictorian of Malinta-Grelton High School, and afterwards, she worked as the society reporter for her local paper. On February 17, 1946, she married Harold L. Carothers, with whom she raised four children. Retha and Harold were able to celebrate their 50th anniversary before Harold passed away in 1996. They were among the original members of Church of St. Andrew United Methodist, and she served as church secretary there for 27 years. Retha devoted herself to multiple professional and educational pursuits, both for herself and others. A lifelong learner, she was always willing to try new things, whether it was pursuing adult education courses, public speaking, learning to play bridge, or serving the community as a reading tutor for youth and seniors and a bowling coach for after-school programs. She taught Sunday school for children and adults for many years and was a certified Christian educator who also trained other teachers. In addition to being a homemaker, Retha enjoyed catering and baking, crafting expansive meals and beautiful wedding cakes, and participating in league bowling with Harold. Retha will be remembered for her incredible hospitality, steadfastness, and faithful service to her family and her church. She stood firm on the foundation of her faith, and built a life that reflected her commitment to loving God and taking care of others. She opened not only her kitchen, but her entire home to whoever needed it countless times over the years. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Leah Packard; husband, Harold; siblings, Beth Spiess, Betty Seydler, Lila Lubold, and Charley Packard; son, Neal Carothers; and son-in-law, Richard Walker. Leaving to cherish her memory are her daughters, Sheryl Walker, Rebecca Carothers, and Janean (Robert) Vick; grandchildren, Amanda (Erik) Brendtro, Sarah Sitterle, and Michael Walker; Chris, Thomas (Heather), and James (Mary) Calihan; and Benjamin, Leah (Joel) Parker, and James Vick; step-grandchildren, Dawn (Samuel) Matthews and Gage (Lisa) Walker; great-grandchildren, Heidi and Joel Brendtro; Jeremiah Sitterle; Sabina Calihan; Pearl and Calvin Calihan; and Julia, Jordan, and Jacob Parker; and step-great-grandchildren, Anna and Daniel Matthews, and Christopher, Nicholas, and Matthew Walker. Also surviving are sisters-in-law Verna Jo Carothers and Janet Packard; many much-loved nieces and nephews and their families; and numerous friends, old and new. Visitation will be held at Walter Funeral Home at 4653 Glendale from 10:00am-12:00pm on Saturday, September 21, with services following at 12:00pm. A graveside ceremony will then be held at Toledo Memorial Park. The family wishes to thank the staff of The Waterford at Levis Commons and SouthernCare Hospice for their support, kindness, and compassionate care, and many family members and friends for their countless expressions of love and sympathy. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Church of St. Andrew United Methodist.